Srinagar, Mar 12: Inordinate delay in conducting exams and declaring results at Kashmir University threatens the career of students, who can neither plan research nor apply for jobs.
The varsity has failed to conduct the examinations for post-graduation course (distance mode) in time, with the students getting held up in the first semester for the last one year.
“It takes four years to complete the degree, though the prospectus mentions only two years. Besides, step-motherly treatment is extended to the distance students compared to regular batches,” said a student, wishing anonymity.
“We secured admission in Feb 2017. But till date, we have not even taken our first semester exams, which were supposed to be held after first six months.”
The university, however, refuses to accept that there have been any delays.
“We have twenty courses available in the department. Their coursework is complete. We have asked the Controller Examination to start the examination process at the earliest,” said Director Distance Education, Professor Neelofar Khan.
Controller Examination, University of Kashmir, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, said “We are not responsible for their delay in exams. We can only fix this issue if the Distance Education department finishes their courses on time.”
Amidst the blame game, the regular post-graduate students too are unhappy. “Our two-year course is now in its third year and our results are still not declared. We can’t apply anywhere for further studies,” a student said.
“If the conflict of 2016 was not enough, the University further messed the situation by introducing CBSC (Choice Based Credit System) and a supplementary batch. The teachers couldn’t hold classes, nor could students attend classes, as there was little information besides schedule classes.”
Echoing similar views, another student who discharged duties as a class representative, said, “The university has been very apathetic towards our future. The faculty never bothers to declare the result on time, with the resulting delay affecting our prospects of applying for further studies in other universities in India or abroad.”
“There is no check by the University administration on the working of departments, the university is usually very eager to conduct the exams on time but as far as result deceleration is concerned, they seem to be least concerned. The faculty may take 7-10 months to upload the result.”
The research scholars, too, have a sorry tale to tell.
“Our coursework began in July last year and exams are supposed to be held in December. It is already March and there is no sign of exams yet. Other universities like the Central University of Kashmir hold exams on time despite facing same situations that KU gives as an excuse,” Research scholar in the varsity’s media department said.
Noted educationists are aghast at the state of affairs.
B A Dar, known academic, said: “There is no academic calendar in place. They have made untoward incidents and unrest their favourite excuse for delaying exams. If they are already aware of the abnormal circumstances of this place, they should chart out a proper plan accordingly.”
Educationist, Professor A G Madhosh said, “The old system of exams is thrust upon us. In 1911, there were seven students studying at SP College, Srinagar. More than seventy years have passed and the examination system is still the same.”
He said the varsity should “look at online courses like MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses) which are not only curated by international experts but are also time bound. We need to innovate and rise above the traditional system of academics, and evaluation”.
